Study Desk

So when we could stand it no longer,^(a) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.^(b)

We sent Timothy,^(c) who is our brother and co-worker^(d) in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(e) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(f) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^(g)

In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.^(h)

For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,⁽ⁱ⁾ I sent to find out about your faith.^(j) I was afraid that in some way the tempter^(k) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.^(l)

Timothy's Encouraging Report

But Timothy^(m) has just now come to us from you⁽ⁿ⁾ and has brought good news about your faith and love.^(o) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.^(p)

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

For now we really live, since you are standing firm^(q) in the Lord.

How can we thank God enough for you^(r) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?^(s)

Night and day we pray^(t) most earnestly that we may see you again^(u) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father^(v) himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(w) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(x) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(y) when our Lord Jesus comes^(z) with all his holy ones.^(aa)